Serj Tankian#Down With The System and new solo projects (2023–present)

Serj Tankian was born in Beirut, Lebanon, on August 21, 1967, to Armenian parents Khachadour and Alice Tankian.{{Cite web |title='Talking About Myself Is Fucking Boring as Shit': Serj Tankian on His 'Memoir (of Sorts)' |url=https://www.spin.com/2024/05/serj-tankian-on-his-memoir-of-sorts/ |access-date=August 27, 2024 |website=Spin|date=May 20, 2024 }}{{Cite web |title=Serj Tankian |url=http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/tankian_serj/artist.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905064341/http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/tankian_serj/artist.jhtml |archive-date=September 5, 2011 |access-date=May 19, 2024 |website=MTV}}{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/serj-tankian-p338947/biography|title=Serj Tankian|last=McIntosh|first=Gregory|website=Allmusic|access-date=May 13, 2010}} He traces his ancestry to the cities of Dörtyol, Kayseri, Tokat, and Urfa, all of which are in modern-day Turkey.{{Cite web|last=Tankian|first=Serj|date=April 22, 2014|title=Serj Tankian writes a letter to the people of Turkey|url=http://www.musicofarmenia.com/serj-tankian-writes-letter-people-turkey|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205145638/http://www.musicofarmenia.com/serj-tankian-writes-letter-people-turkey|archive-date=February 5, 2018|access-date=June 28, 2020|website=Music of Armenia}} His four grandparents were survivors of the Armenian genocide. Amid the Lebanese Civil War, at the age of 7, he moved to the U.S. with his parents, and the family settled in Los Angeles.{{cite web | url=https://www.spin.com/2024/05/serj-tankian-on-his-memoir-of-sorts/ | title='Talking About Myself is Fucking Boring as Shit': Serj Tankian on His 'Memoir (Of Sorts)' | date=May 20, 2024 }} In his youth, he attended the bilingual Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School,{{cite book|last=Myers|first=Ben|title=System of a Down: Right Here In Hollywood|url=https://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/1932857885/#reader_1932857885|year=2007|publisher=Disinformation Company|isbn=978-1-932857-88-7|page=14}} which was also attended by his future System of a Down bandmates Daron Malakian and Shavo Odadjian.{{cite web |title=System of a Down Biography|last=Brennan|first=Carol |work=NotableBiographies.com |url=http://www.notablebiographies.com/newsmakers2/2006-Ra-Z/System-of-a-Down.html |access-date=May 14, 2010}} Tankian was accepted into California State University, Northridge, graduating with a marketing degree in 1989.{{Cite web|last=Osborne|first=Carry|date=2017|title=Power Serj|url=https://www.csun.edu/magazine/homepage/power-serj|website=Csun.edu}} During his sophomore year, he first began to play instruments, particularly the keyboard, and write songs.

In an interview in 2021, Tankian stated;

"I was very lost. I was playing music at home, but I didn't have a band, I didn't have any connection, and my vision hadn't interpreted that this was my future yet. I was like, probably 22, 23 when I was really, when I discovered it... I was driving home, I had a Jeep Wrangler, I remember it was raining, very dramatic, and I really, I always say I have to go to the far reaches of who I don't wanna be to admit to myself who I really am. And I was in my car, and I literally stopped, and I just go, "I want to fuckin' do music. This is bullshit. I don't want to do all this shit." And that was the day that changed my life. From then on, anything I did was with the idea that I'm going on this path, and I gotta do whatever I gotta do to be on this path."{{Citation |title=In The Studio With Serj Tankian (System of a Down/Film Composer) | date=March 4, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3Kf2OV9Cvg |access-date=2023-07-31 |language=en}}

During his college years, Tankian began participating in political activism, attempting to draw attention to the recognition of the Armenian genocide during his time as president of the university's Armenian Students Association. He has said that his activism started with the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) and the Shant Student Association of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF).{{cite web |last1=Tankian |first1=Serj |title=Let me add that my activism started in my AYF days, then onto Shant Student Org -ARF. |url=https://mobile.twitter.com/serjtankian/status/1534691144516268032 |website=Twitter |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220610100237/https://mobile.twitter.com/serjtankian/status/1534691144516268032 |archive-date=June 10, 2022 |date=June 9, 2022}}

File:Serj Tankian 2006 (cropped).jpg

{{Main|System of a Down}}

The beginnings of System of a Down lie in a band named Soil (not to be confused with the Chicago-based band SOiL) with Tankian on vocals & keyboards, Malakian on vocals & lead guitar, Dave Hakopyan on bass, and Domingo Laranio on drums. The band initially hired Odadjian as their manager before he was to transition into their rhythm guitarist.

Laranio and Hakopyan later left the band feeling that it was not going anywhere, leading to Soil splitting up.

After the split, Tankian, Odadjian and Malakian formed System of a Down, named after a poem Malakian wrote called Victims of a Down. The band recruited drummer Ontronik "Andy" Khachaturian, an old school friend of Malakian, and Odadjian who had played with Malakian in a band called Snowblind during their teens. In mid-1997, Khachaturian left the band because of a hand injury (he subsequently co-founded The Apex Theory, which included former Soil bassist Dave Hakopyan). Khachaturian was replaced by John Dolmayan. Dolmayan is also the drummer for the band Indicator and former drummer for Scars on Broadway.

The band began touring the Southern California rock clubs, building a strong following.

The band achieved commercial success with the release of five studio albums, three of which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. System of a Down has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, and their song "B.Y.O.B." won the Best Hard Rock Performance of 2006. In May the same year, the band announced they were going on hiatus.{{Cite news |last=Harris |first=Chris |date=May 3, 2006 |title=System of a Down Aren't Breaking Up—They're Going on Hiatus|work=MTV News |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1530066/20060503/system_of_a_down.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060915122759/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1530066/20060503/system_of_a_down.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 15, 2006 |access-date=February 2, 2009}}

On November 29, 2010, following several weeks of internet rumors, System of a Down officially announced that they would play shows in Europe during Festivals and in North America, mostly in the U.S.,{{cite web|last=Karan|first=Tim|date=November 29, 2010|title=System Of A Down to reunite, headline Download Festival|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/system_of_a_down_to_reunite_co-headline_download_festival_with_avenged_seve/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001082758/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/system_of_a_down_to_reunite_co-headline_download_festival_with_avenged_seve/|archive-date=October 1, 2012|access-date=November 29, 2010|work=Alternative Press}} embarking on a tour for the following three years.

The band was in limbo of not releasing any new tracks until November 2020, when they released "Protect the Land" and "Genocidal Humanoidz", which were songs that were made to help the cause of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. The song's profits went to the Armenia Fund.{{Cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/system-of-a-down-first-music-in-15-years/|title=Here's why System Of A Down released their first new music in 15 years|first=Rachael|last=Dowd|website=Altpress.com|date=November 6, 2020|access-date=January 19, 2021}}

In the following years, System of a Down increasingly limited their live appearances.{{Cite web |last=Childers |first=Chad |date=April 28, 2024 |title=Setlist + Video - System of a Down Headline 2024 Sick New World Festival |url=https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-sick-new-world-2024-setlist-video/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Loudwire |language=en-US}} On May 14, 2023, the band hosted their only live performance of the year as co-headliners of the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas.{{Cite web |last=Kress |first=Brian |date=May 14, 2023 |title=System of a Down Close Sick New World 2023: Video + Setlist |url=https://consequence.net/2023/05/system-of-a-down-sick-new-world-2023-watch/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Consequence |language=en-US}} In 2024, the band performed two gigs, making headline appearances at Sick New World on April 27,{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Emily |date=April 28, 2024 |title=Here's System Of A Down's epic Sick New World setlist |url=https://www.kerrang.com/heres-system-of-a-downs-epic-sick-new-world-setlist/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Kerrang! |language=en-US}} and at a standalone concert (together with Deftones) at the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, the first-ever ticketed live event to take place at the venue.{{Cite web |last=King |first=Ariel |date=April 9, 2024 |title=Another Planet Entertainment Announces One-Night Event With System Of A Down & Deftones In Golden Gate Park, Potential For More |url=https://news.pollstar.com/2024/04/09/another-planet-announces-one-night-event-with-system-of-a-down-deftones-in-golden-gate-park-potential-for-more/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Pollstar |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Schaffner |first=Lauryn |date=April 9, 2024 |title=System of a Down + Deftones Announce First of Its Kind Show at Historic Venue |url=https://loudwire.com/system-of-a-down-deftones-first-show-historic-venue-2024/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Loudwire |language=en-US}}

File:Serj Tankian en concert durant la tournée Elect the Dead.jpg, in 2008]]

Tankian's breakthrough as a solo artist came with the release of his debut record Elect the Dead. The first singles from Elect the Dead are "The Unthinking Majority" and "Empty Walls". The music video "Feed Us" was released on the Swedish[http://www.mtv.se Swedish MTV]. MTV.se. and UK{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtv2/music/18102007/377636/hear_serj_tankians_album_here |title=MTV Rocks |publisher=MTV.co.uk |access-date=April 2, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201203518/http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtv2/music/18102007/377636/hear_serj_tankians_album_here |archive-date=February 1, 2009}} MTV. A music video was directed and filmed for every song on the record, each by unique directors. Tankian explained, "I asked each of the directors for their visual interpretation of my work. They were asked not to write treatments and that they could make whatever they liked. The results have been overwhelmingly amazing!"{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=79584 |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET - SYSTEM OF A DOWN Frontman To Post Videos For Each Track On Forthcoming Solo Album |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=April 2, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606233015/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=79584 |archive-date=June 6, 2011}}

Three different promo versions of the album have surfaced to the public. The instrumental promotional version, issued by Serjical Strike/Reprise Records and intended for the music and movie industry, contains instrumental versions of the twelve album tracks. Another promotional version, issued by Reprise Records and made only for individual reviewers, features the album in final master form. This promotional CD-R, which was labeled "Smart Talk" as a codename for "Serj Tankian" to prevent leaking by unauthorized persons, also indicates that the album was finalized prior to {{Start date|2007|08|20}}.{{cite web |url=http://aycu34.webshots.com/image/39153/2002058948060913209_rs.jpg |title=Webshots - Kilchurn Castle, Argyll and Bute, Scotland |access-date=December 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20101223002627/http://aycu34.webshots.com/image/39153/2002058948060913209_rs.jpg |archive-date=December 23, 2010 }}

The official tour for Elect the Dead commenced on October 12, 2007, with a show at Chicago's Vic Theatre. Roughly one thousand people attended the first concert. Although Tankian had stated he would not be performing any material by System of a Down, he performed "Charades" and "Blue", songs co-written by Daron Malakian, the guitarist of the band. "Blue" had previously appeared on their Fourth Demo Tape in 1998, and Charades was attempted during the 2005 Mezmerize/Hypnotize sessions, but never released (although a short video clip of Tankian and Dolmayan playing the song in a recording studio was featured on "the Making of Mezmerize/Hypnotize"). Although it is originally a song restricted to piano and vocals, {{Anchor|The F.C.C.}}Tankian used his backing band, the Flying Cunts of Chaos (F.C.C.).{{Cite web|date=July 30, 2010|title=The F.C.C. Releases First Single|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/the-f-c-c-releases-first-single/|access-date=June 29, 2020|website=Blabbermouth.net}}

Tankian is also politically involved. Together with Tom Morello, he founded the organization Axis of Justice and often speaks publicly against violence and injustice in the world. Tankian released a new song "Fears" in November 2008 exclusively in support of Amnesty International's Global Write-A-Thon.{{cite web|url=http://www.amnestyusa.org/musicforhumanrights/ |title=Music for Human Rights |publisher=Amnestyusa.org |access-date=April 14, 2010}}

In 2009, Tankian collaborated with the band Viza (previously known as Visa) for their track "Viktor".{{cite web|url=http://www.visabandfans.com/Videos/display/videoid/18?name=News&file=article&sid=685&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 |title=Serj Tankian &VISA |access-date=December 1, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717213951/http://www.visabandfans.com/Videos/display/videoid/18?name=News&file=article&sid=685&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 |archive-date=July 17, 2011}}

Tankian's second solo album was originally due in 2009. It is said to be more of a jazz and orchestral based sound. Tankian said of the second album: {{blockquote|I'm structuring the next record kind of like a jazz orchestral. I've got a full orchestra interested, so I want this giant electric guitar in the air to be played by a full orchestra. I want the orchestra to be the electric guitar. I want to make an orchestra do what it's never done before, like a GG Allin type orchestra. Think of that.{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/serj_tankian_talks_soad_next_solo_album.html |title=Serj Tankian Talks SOAD, Next Solo Album | News @ |publisher=Ultimate-guitar.com |access-date=April 14, 2010}}}} The album had the working title Music Without Borders, however, the final album title is Imperfect Harmonies. On June 23, 2010, a promo single from his upcoming album Imperfect Harmonies was released called "Borders Are". The first radio single from Imperfect Harmonies, "Left of Center", was released on July 13, 2010. A third single, "Disowned Inc." was released on August 9, 2010. Imperfect Harmonies was released on September 21, 2010. Preceding the album's release, two contests were announced (one consisting of brainteasers related to the album/song titles, the other an art contest) in which fans could win prizes such as Tankian's autograph and merchandise. On August 22, 2010, a music video for "Left of Center" was released on Tankian's MySpace account.

File:Serj Tankian in Armenia, 2011.jpg

The premiere date for Tankian and Sater's Prometheus Bound at the American Repertory Theater was February 25, 2011. Tankian said that collaborating on the show has been a great learning experience for him. "I've been using a lot of my archives, a lot of different types of music that I had already put together for underscoring and what not," he said. "It's quite diverse, from noise to jazz to electronic stuff to hip-hop songs to rock songs to cool, piano dark underscores, and that's a whole different bag of tricks there because it's always evolving. Unlike a film score that's very linear and you get a scene to score for, this is something where you do another workshop and one song is gone, that underscore changes to 20 seconds and they need something else on the spot. Everything's always changing until the show comes, so it's quite interesting."{{cite web|url=http://www.bryanreesman.com/blog/2010/10/07/serj-tankian-discusses-orchestral-work-a-r-t-musical-armenian-show/ |title=Serj Tankian Discusses New Directions, A.R.T. Musical, Armenian Show |publisher=Attention Deficit Delirium |access-date=October 7, 2010}}

In January 2011, Tankian released a music video for his song "Reconstructive Demonstrations" from his album Imperfect Harmonies. Tankian also announced on his Facebook page, during the video's release, that an EP titled Imperfect Remixes would be released sometime within 2011. On March 1, Tankian released Imperfect Remixes and the music video for "Goodbye", a remix of "Gate 21" from Imperfect Harmonies.

Tankian co-wrote a musical with the American playwright Steven Sater. It is based on the Ancient Greek tragedy Prometheus Bound. It opened at the American Repertory Theater on March 14, 2011.[http://www.spinner.com/2008/05/21/serj-tankian-co-writing-a-musical/ Serj Tankian Co-Writing a Musical] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120525100814/http://www.spinner.com/2008/05/21/serj-tankian-co-writing-a-musical/ |date=May 25, 2012 }}, Spinner. Retrieved May 22, 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.americanrepertorytheater.org/events/show/prometheus-bound/ |title=Prometheus Bound | A.R.T. |publisher=American Repertory Theater |access-date=May 28, 2011}}

File:System Of A Down @ Claremont Showgrounds (5 3 2012) (7005620145).jpg in Perth, Australia]]

In early July 2011, Tankian posted a video on YouTube showing two samples of new songs. During the video he said "next year". In multiple interviews he has stated that he has been working on a rock record that will be released in 2011, and some side projects including jazz, electronic, and symphonic records. It was later confirmed that his third album would be called Harakiri and will be released on July 10, 2012. In 2012, he planned for this to be the first of four new albums.{{Cite web|last=Tankian|first=Serj|date=April 3, 2012|title=New Record Coming!|url=http://www.serjtankian.com/news/new-record-coming|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111182516/http://www.serjtankian.com/news/new-record-coming|archive-date=November 11, 2012|access-date=June 28, 2020|website=Serj Tankian's official website}} The first single from Harakiri, "Figure It Out", was released on May 1.{{Cite web|last=Tankian|first=Serj|date=April 25, 2012|title= Figure It Out, Single Coming May 1st|url=http://www.serjtankian.com/news/figure-it-out-single-coming-may-1st|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127083840/http://www.serjtankian.com/news/figure-it-out-single-coming-may-1st|archive-date=November 27, 2012|access-date=June 28, 2020|website=Serj Tankian's official website}} A music video for the song appeared on Tankian's official YouTube page. A second single from the album, "Cornucopia", was released on June 10. A third single, title track "Harakiri", was made available as a preorder bonus from Tankian's website on June 20.

File:Հայաստանի Հանրապետության Վարչապետի «ՀՀ Վարչապետի հուշամեդալ».jpg]]

On August 12, 2011, Tankian traveled to Armenia, where he was received at Government House by then-Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, who awarded him with a Commemorative Medal ({{Langx|hy|ՀՀ Վարչապետի հուշամեդալ}}){{Cite news|date=August 13, 2011|title=Հայաստանի վարչապետի հուշամեդալ՝ Սերժ Թանկյանին|trans-title=Prime Minister of Armenia gives medal to Serj Tankian|url=https://www.azatutyun.am/a/24295657.html|access-date=June 29, 2020|website=Radio Free Europe|language=hy |last1=ռ/կ |first1=Ազատություն }} for his "contribution to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the advancement of music". Tankian promised to return and put on a concert to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which he did on April 24, 2015, playing for free for over two hours in Yerevan's Republic Square.{{Cite web|last=Kaye|first=Ben|date=April 23, 2015|title=System of a Down make Armenia proud with massive 37-song set -- watch|url=https://consequence.net/2015/04/replay-system-of-a-downs-massive-first-ever-concert-in-armenia-watch/|access-date=June 29, 2020|website=Consequence of Sound|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|date=December 31, 2015|script-title=hy:Նախագահների այցը Հայաստան, «System of a down» ռոք խմբի համերգը… Հայաստանը` աշխարհի ուշադրության կենտրոնում (ֆոտո)|trans-title=Presidents visit Armenia, System of a Down holds concert...Armenia, the center of the world's attention (photos)|work=Ժողովուրդ|url=https://armlur.am/466861/|access-date=June 28, 2020|trans-work=Zhoghovurd}}

He released his fourth studio album Orca Symphony No. 1 on June 25, 2013. The album takes the form of a classical symphony.{{cite web|url = http://www.noisecreep.com/2012/05/10/serj-tankian-solo-album/|title = Serj Tankian on Being Eclectic, Growing Up in Lebanon and His Relationship With Heavy Metal|website = Noisecreep|date = May 10, 2012}} A professionally sampled studio version was released on November 30, 2012, while the live recorded version was released on June 25, 2013, through Serjical Strike Records.{{Cite web|url=http://www.serjtankian.com/news/serj-releasing-two-albums-june-and-july-announces-tour-dates |title=Serj Releasing Two Albums in June and July, Announces Tour Dates |publisher=Serj Tankian |date=April 25, 2013 |access-date=April 25, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307195500/http://www.serjtankian.com/news/serj-releasing-two-albums-june-and-july-announces-tour-dates |archive-date=March 7, 2014}}

His fifth studio album Jazz-Iz-Christ was released on July 23, 2013, by Serjical Strike Records.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/jazz-iz-christ-feat-tigran/664999652 |title=iTunes - Music - Jazz-Iz Christ (feat. Tigran Hamasyan, Valeri Tolstov & Tom Duprey) by Serj Tankian |publisher=iTunes |access-date=June 26, 2013}} The release features Tankian's vocals on only four of the 15 tracks; all others are instrumental, except for "End of Time", which features a female vocalist. In 2014, he collaborated with Italian DJ Benny Benassi for the single "Shooting Helicopters".

On April 9, 2013, Tankian collaborated with Device, a project led by Disturbed frontman David Draiman. He had a guest appearance on the song "Out of Line" on Device's self-titled album.

Tankian also appeared on the Tech N9ne album Something Else in 2013 on the song "Straight Out the Gate".

He was a surprise guest performer for the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience in Los Angeles on March 25, 2017, singing "The Rains of Castamere".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIGlTIdWn8Y| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/iIGlTIdWn8Y| archive-date=October 30, 2021|title=Game of Thrones Live HD - Serg Tankian Sings Rains of Castamere - Red Wedding|last=Vicente III Travel Videos|date=March 28, 2017|access-date=May 8, 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} His rendition of the song also made it onto the soundtrack for the eighth season of Game of Thrones in 2019.

In June and July 2017, he was a guest on multiple shows of the Prophets of Rage during System of a Down's European tour, singing "Like a Stone" in memory of his friend, Audioslave's Chris Cornell.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4LLqxoq-J0| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/F4LLqxoq-J0| archive-date=October 30, 2021|title=Prophets of Rage ft. Serj Tankian live @ Pinkpop 2017. Song: Like a stone. Tribute to Chris Cornell| date=June 6, 2017|access-date=June 22, 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}

In November 2017, Swedish independent label Woah Dad! acquired the albums that Tankian recorded for Reprise Records.{{Cite web|last=Lindqvist|first=Johan|date=November 15, 2017|title=Göteborgsbolaget Woah dad satsar internationellt|trans-title=Gothenburg company "Woah dad" to invest internationally|url=http://www.gp.se/1.4832023|access-date=June 29, 2020|website=Göteborgs-Posten|language=sv}}

Tankian composed music for I Am Not Alone, a 2019 documentary film about the 2018 Armenian revolution.Graham Isador, [https://www.vice.com/en/article/system-of-a-downs-serj-tankian-on-making-music-for-a-revolution/ "System of a Down's Serj Tankian on Making Music for a Revolution"]. Vice, September 13, 2019. He was also an executive producer of the film.

Tankian composed the music for the second season of the Netflix series Down to Earth with Zac Efron.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/serj-tankian-composed-the-music-for-zac-efrons-netflix-show-down-to-earth-3347996|title=Serj Tankian composed the music for Zac Efron's Netflix show 'Down To Earth'|last=Richards|first=Will|date=November 12, 2022|publisher=NME|accessdate=June 5, 2022}}

Fuktronic, an electronic music collaboration with Mindless Self Indulgence's Jimmy Urine was released in May 2020, after the duo released a sample on SoundCloud. Fuktronic is described as "the team of Serj Tankian and Jimmy Urine from Mindless Self Indulgence, making a soundtrack for the ultimate British Gangster Film. It's an electronic album with 12 tracks (4 instrumental and 8 tracks that have original scripted dialogue that portrays the trials and tribulations of a fresh out of prison British gangster who hasn't learned his lesson)."{{cite web|title=SOAD's Serj Tankian and Jimmy Urine Teaming Up for New Project Fuktronic|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/soads_serj_tankian_and_jimmy_urine_teaming_up_for_new_project_fuktronic.html|access-date=May 8, 2017}}

Tankian released his first ever EP titled Elasticity on March 19, 2021. He announced the release of his EP, and released the title track "Elasticity", along with a music video for it,{{cite web|title=Elasticity (Official Video)| website=YouTube | date=February 4, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oMDAfUpWyQ&ab_channel=serjtankian| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/5oMDAfUpWyQ| archive-date=October 30, 2021|access-date=February 5, 2021}}{{cbignore}} on February 5, 2021. In his announcement, Tankian stated "When I conceived possibly doing another record with the guys from System of a Down a few years back, I started working on a set of songs that I arranged in rock format for that purpose, As we weren't able to see eye to eye on the vision going forward with a SOAD album, I decided to release these songs under my moniker."{{cite web|title=Serj Tankian Announces 'Elasticity' EP, Debuts Video for Title Track|date=February 5, 2021|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/serj-tankian-elasticity-ep-video-1124170/|website=www.rollingstone.com|access-date=February 5, 2021}} The EP features songs like "Electric Yerevan", which is described as a "rallying cry" for Armenia, "Rumi", a poetic song about Tankian's son, and "Your Mom", which has been described as a "political mash-up".

Tankian released his second EP titled Perplex Cities on October 21, 2022.{{Cite web |last=Tankian |first=Serj |title=Perplex Cities |url=https://serjtankian.com/pages/perplex-cities |access-date=April 14, 2023 |website=Serj Tankian |language=en}}

In October 2023, Tankian announced that he would release his first memoir, Down With the System, on May 14, 2024, via Hachette Books; the artist wrote on X, "I had a blast working on this accidentally hatched philosophical memoir, as it's given me the unique opportunity to deep dive into my family history, my own motivations from a young age and lessons I didn't know I had learned".{{Cite web |last=Rettig |first=James |date=October 24, 2023 |title=Serj Tankian Announces Memoir 'Down With The System' |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2240290/serj-tankian-announces-memoir-down-with-the-system/news/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Stereogum |language=en-US}}{{Cite magazine |last=Zemler |first=Emily |date=October 25, 2023 |title=Serj Tankian Announces Philosophical Memoir 'Down With the System' Out Next May |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/serj-tankian-memoir-down-with-the-system-1234861951/ |access-date=April 29, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}

In April 2024, during an interview with Metal Hammer in promotion of Down With the System, Tankian announced that he would release a new solo EP, titled Foundations, in September of the same year; he also revealed that he had originally written one of the songs included in the project for System of a Down, while two other tracks had been recorded during the studio sessions for his 2007 solo album Elect the Dead.{{Cite web |last=Brannigan |first=Paul |date=April 28, 2024 |title="It's called Foundations because it's the founding of my musical life." Serj Tankian's forthcoming Foundations EP will include an early unreleased System Of A Down song |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/serj-tankians-foundations-ep-unreleased-system-of-a-down |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Metal Hammer |publisher=Louder Sound |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Trambusti |first=Luca |date=April 28, 2024 |title=√ Serj Tankian: esce un nuovo EP del frontman dei System Of A Down |url=https://www.rockol.it/news-744125/serj-tankian-frontman-system-of-a-down-ep-foundations-inediti-band |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Rockol |language=it-IT}} The first single from the EP, "A.F. Day", was released on May 17 of the same year.{{Cite web |last=Hadusek |first=Jon |date=April 29, 2024 |title=Serj Tankian Announces New EP, Teases Lead Single "A.F. Day" |url=https://consequence.net/2024/04/serj-tankian-foundations-ep-af-day-tease/ |access-date=May 1, 2024 |website=Consequence |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Brannigan |first=Paul |date=May 17, 2024 |title='Dystopian in mood, it's a reflection of the angst and anti-authoritarian attitude I had to conformity.' Listen to Serj Tankian's 'new' single A.F. Day, originally written for System Of A Down |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/serj-tankian-af-day-system-of-a-down |access-date=May 19, 2024 |website=Metal Hammer |publisher=Louder Sound |language=en-GB}}

File:Patton FNM 2009 (cropped).jpg (pictured) was a major influence on Tankian.]]

Tankian grew up listening to traditional Armenian music in his exiled community in Lebanon and sang it with his father Khatchadour Tankian. He discovered pop music only once his family moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s via the Bee Gees' soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever, that led him to delve into it. In his 20s, he bought every record by the Beatles, whom he has called the most "universal" artists he is aware of.{{cite web|access-date=January 20, 2021|url=https://www.spin.com/2003/06/my-life-music-serj-tankian/|date=June 23, 2003 |title=My Life in Music: Serj Tankian |website= Spin|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200208191611/https://www.spin.com/2003/06/my-life-music-serj-tankian/|archive-date=February 8, 2020}} Tankian said that the first hard rock album that left an impact on him was 1992's Angel Dust by Faith No More. When System of a Down toured with Faith No More singer Mike Patton, who at the time fronted his other band Mr. Bungle on the 2000 SnoCore Tour, Tankian said that both vocalists "had some of the most interesting conversations" of his life.{{cite web|access-date=January 20, 2021|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2018/08/08/part-2-incubus-brandon-boyd-and-system-of-a-downs-serj-tankian-on-life-on-the-road/|publication-date=August 8, 2018 |title=Part 2: Incubus' Brandon Boyd And System Of A Down's Serj Tankian On Life On The Road|first=Steve |last=Baltin |website=Forbes.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032838/https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebaltin/2018/08/08/part-2-incubus-brandon-boyd-and-system-of-a-downs-serj-tankian-on-life-on-the-road/|archive-date=November 9, 2020}} Besides the experimental vocals of Patton, Tankian is greatly influenced by Frank Zappa, especially by his albums Sheik Yerbouti and Joe's Garage.{{cite web|access-date=January 20, 2021|url=http://www.metalist.co.il/interviewprivate.asp?id=270&lang=eng|publication-date=November 2, 2007|title=Serj Tankian - Elects The Dead |last=Miasnikov |first=Alon |website=Metalist.co.il|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071105073939/http://www.metalist.co.il/InterviewPrivate.asp?id=270&lang=eng|archive-date=November 5, 2007}}

Tankian holds in high regard the soundtrack of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly by Ennio Morricone, and the albums Decoy by Miles Davis and …And Justice for All by Metallica. He also much admires the reinvention that the British band Radiohead went through in their 2000 record Kid A, saying that it serves as an example to other artists.{{cite web|access-date=January 20, 2021|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/system-of-a-down-serj-tankian-the-10-albums-that-changed-my-life |publication-date=September 4, 2016 |title=Serj Tankian: 10 albums that changed my life|first=Merlin |last=Alderslade |publisher=Louder Sound|magazine=Metal Hammer|date=September 4, 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729200620/https://www.loudersound.com/features/system-of-a-down-serj-tankian-the-10-albums-that-changed-my-life|archive-date=July 29, 2018 }}

Tankian is passionate about human rights, recognition of genocides, and social justice. These traits have helped to shape his lyrical style. He has organized and participated in many protests, from Armenian genocide recognition to Axis of Justice (AOJ) protests held by him and AOJ co-founder Tom Morello.{{Cite web|last=Polson|first=Brian|date=June 10, 2020|title=Serj Tankian and Tom Morello respond to fans who just realized their music was political, trigger troll fest|url=https://meaww.com/serj-tankian-system-of-a-down-tom-morello-rage-against-machine-fans-political-views|access-date=July 6, 2020|website=Media Entertainment Arts WorldWide|language=en}} He also covers current issues in his music. In his music, issues like the War on Terror, overpopulation, genocide, environmentalism, and the American prison system are addressed. He and his System of a Down bandmates were featured in the 2006 documentary film Screamers, which covers the United States' position on genocide. In the film, Tankian interviews his grandfather, Stepan Haytayan, a survivor of the Armenian genocide, who recounts his experience of it.{{Cite news|last=Catsoulis|first=Jeannette|date=January 25, 2007|title=A Loud Outcry Against Genocide|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/25/movies/26scream.html|access-date=July 6, 2020|issn=0362-4331}}

Tankian serves on the advisory board for TUMO Center for Creative Technologies.{{Cite web | url=https://tumo.org/profile/serjtankian/|title=Serj Tankian|access-date=April 28, 2025}}

Tankian said in an interview that he has "the same religion as that tree over there". He said, "It's a mix of Native American, Christian, Buddhist, and Transcendental ideas. I like to think of Earth as mother. I like to think of sky as grandfather. God has been used for ulterior motives".{{cite news|last=Rothstein|first=Betsy|title=Serj Tankian, lead singer for System of a Down|url=http://thehill.com/capital-living/20-questions/20858-serj-tankian-lead-singer-for-system-of-a-down|access-date=September 26, 2014|work=The Hill|date=May 21, 2008}} In another interview, he said, "I believe very firmly that indigenous populations had a really good, intuitive understanding of why we're here. And we're trying to gain that same understanding through psychology and intellect in modern civilization".{{cite news|last=Moskowitz|first=Gary|title=Serj Tankian: Alternative Rock's Political Poet|url=https://www.motherjones.com/media/2007/11/serj-tankian-alternative-rocks-political-poet|access-date=September 26, 2014|work=Mother Jones|date=November 9, 2007}}

Following the September 11 attacks, Tankian wrote an essay in which he stated, "If we carry out bombings on Afghanistan or elsewhere to appease public demand, and very likely kill innocent civilians along the way, we'd be creating many more martyrs going to their deaths in retaliation against the retaliation. As shown from yesterday's events, you cannot stop a person who's ready to die".{{cite news|title=Archive News Sep 14, 2001|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/archive-news-sep-14-2001-2/|work=Blabbermouth.net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206194554/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/archive-news-sep-14-2001-2/|archive-date=December 6, 2016|date=September 14, 2001}}{{cite magazine|last1=Reed|first1=Ryan|title=System of a Down's 'Toxicity': 10 Things You Didn't Know|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/system-of-a-downs-toxicity-10-things-you-didnt-know-w437478|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 4, 2016}}

In the 2008 Democratic Party primaries, Tankian originally supported Dennis Kucinich, but subsequently stated that Barack Obama "presents the best possible scenario for a hopeful future, but I don't personally put my trust in any political office". In the 2016 Democratic Party primaries, he endorsed Bernie Sanders and wrote on Facebook, "When it comes to standing up to the oligarchs, leading the fight for civil rights, income-equality, and so much more, no other politician has been so consistent and incorruptible as Bernie Sanders".{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/SerjTankian/posts/10153496048294798|title=Log In or Sign Up to View|website=facebook.com|access-date=May 8, 2017}} He further praised Sanders, "He's said what he's done and he'd done what he says in the Senate. All his contributions are from private individuals; everyone else's are from major donors and corporations. It does not take a genius to see who's working for whom here".{{cite magazine|last1=Grow|first1=Kory|title=System of a Down's Serj Tankian on Bernie Sanders: 'I'm Rooting for Him'|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 24, 2016|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/system-of-a-downs-serj-tankian-on-bernie-sanders-im-rooting-for-him-20160524}}

Concerning the Syrian Civil War, Tankian advocates negotiating with Bashar al-Assad, letting Iran deal with Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), whom he accused Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey of supporting.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/SerjTankian/posts/10153628439569798 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/8047564797/10153628439569798 |archive-date=February 26, 2022 |url-access=limited|title=Serj Tankian|website=Facebook.com|access-date=May 8, 2017}}{{cbignore}}{{better source needed|date=October 2020}}

Tankian has stated he supported Bernie Sanders's bid during the 2020 US Democratic Party primaries and that although it was "frustrating" for his brother-in-law John Dolmayan to support Donald Trump, he added that they are "on the same page with Armenian issues".{{cite web | url=http://www.kerrang.com/serj-tankian-its-frustrating-to-see-john-dolmayan-publicly-supporting-trump | title=Serj Tankian: It's "Frustrating" to See John Dolmayan Publicly Supporting Trump — Kerrang! | date=October 20, 2020 }}

Tankian is also friendly with current Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who wrote a song called "Hayastane" ({{Langx|hy|Հայաստանը|links=|lit=Armenia|translit=|label=none}}) which Tankian performed in April 2020.{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=emb_title&v=xqrsHQvp4TU|title=Hayastane - {{lang|hy|Հայաստանը|nocat=1}} (Official Music Video) / Performed by Serj Tankian - {{lang|hy|կատարում է Սերժ Թանգեան|nocat=1}}|date=April 24, 2020|last=Tankian|first=Serj|type=Music video|language=hy|publication-place=YouTube|access-date=June 28, 2020}} (Refer to video description.) Tankian was also an executive producer and composer for the documentary I Am Not Alone, which chronicled the rise of Pashinyan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/system-of-a-downs-serj-tankian-on-making-music-for-a-revolution/|title=System of a Down's Serj Tankian on Making Music for a Revolution|website=Vice.com|date=September 13, 2019 |access-date=January 19, 2021}}

Tankian is a supporter of the Black Lives Matter protests, as he stated in his interview with H-Pem.{{Cite web|title=Art, activism, and Armenia: Serj Tankian speaks candidly in h-pem exclusive|url=https://www.h-pem.com/en/interviews/2020/07/30/art-activism-armenia-serj-tankian-h-pem-exclusive/28|access-date=September 21, 2020|website=h-pem.com}}

In 2020, Tankian condemned the actions of Azerbaijan in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War and expressed his support to Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh.{{cite web |last1=Zonrnosa |first1=Laura |title=Why these Armenian American celebs are speaking out about a chronic conflict |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-10-08/kardashians-armenian-american-celebs-talk-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-online |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 8, 2020}} Since September 27, 2020, when the war broke, Tankian has been very active on social media, posting daily messages and has spoken to a number of media outlets about the issue, including Forbes.{{Cite web|last=Scancarelli|first=Derek|title=System Of A Down Singer Serj Tankian Talks Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict, Response From Trump And Biden|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/derekscancarelli/2020/10/19/system-of-a-down-singer-serj-tankian-talks-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-response-from-trump-and-biden/|access-date=November 4, 2020|website=Forbes|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=October 17, 2020|title=Kim Kardashian & Serj Tankian Lead Celebrity PSA Campaign, 'I Stand With Artsakh & Armenia'|url=https://thebluntpost.com/kim-kardashian-serj-tankian-lead-celebrity-psa-campaign-i-stand-with-artsakh-armenia/|access-date=November 4, 2020|website=THE BLUNT POST|language=en-US}}

In May 2021, more than 600 musicians, including Tankian, added their signature to an open letter calling for a boycott of performances in Israel until Israel ends its occupation of the Palestinian territories.{{cite news |title=Rage Against the Machine, Roger Waters, Serj Tankian, among many to boycott Israel |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/glitz/rage-against-machine-roger-waters-serj-tankian-among-many-boycott-israel-254626 |work=The Business Standard |date=June 2, 2021}} In November 2023, Tankian signed an open letter calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza war.{{cite news |title=Thousands of Musicians Call for Gaza Ceasefire, Including Kid Cudi, Zack de la Rocha, Denzel Curry – "We Cannot Be Silent" |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/thousands-musicians-call-gaza-ceasefire-001136278.html |work=Music Feeds |date=November 23, 2023}}

Tankian is an advocate of environmental and animal protection. He became a vegetarian, claiming in an interview with PETA that his change was due to "touring and its variety of edible crap", and he also felt it was "instinctive somewhat". Furthermore, he also feels the need for respect toward "mother earth".{{cite web|url=http://www.peta2.com/Outthere/o-serj.asp |title=PETA2 // Out There // Q&A with Serj Tankian of System of a Down |website=Peta2.com |access-date=April 14, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303175546/http://www.peta2.com/Outthere/o-serj.asp|archive-date=March 3, 2009}} In July 2009, he signed a PETA petition against the slaughtering methods of chickens in KFC slaughterhouses.{{cite web|url=https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1762 |title=Serj Tankian Signs New KFC Petition! |website=Secure.peta.org |access-date=May 28, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121220224259/https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1762|archive-date=December 20, 2012}}

However, in 2024 Tankian stated in an interview on the popular YouTube channel Mythical Kitchen that he had begun eating meat again the year prior.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo5JVuW4_qk |title=Serj Tankian Eats His Last Meal |date=October 8, 2024 |last=Mythical Kitchen |access-date=October 10, 2024 |via=YouTube}}

On June 9, 2012, Tankian married his long-time girlfriend Angela Madatyan, an Armenian woman from Vanadzor, in a private ceremony in Simi Valley, California.{{cite news|title=Serj Tankian Marries Long Time Girlfriend Angela Madatyan|url=http://www.armenianpulse.com/2012/06/serj-tankian-marries-long-time-girlfriend-angela-madatyan/|access-date=September 26, 2014|work=armenianpulse.com|date=June 10, 2012|archive-date=June 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616022516/http://www.armenianpulse.com/2012/06/serj-tankian-marries-long-time-girlfriend-angela-madatyan/|url-status=dead}} On October 24, 2014, he announced that they had a son. The family lives intermittently between Warkworth, New Zealand and Los Angeles as of 2015.{{cite news|title=Rocker Serj Tankian from System of a Down calls NZ home|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11421097|access-date=November 9, 2015|work=nzherald.co.nz|date= March 22, 2015}} Tankian is the brother-in-law of his System of a Down bandmate John Dolmayan, as their respective wives are sisters.[https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/serj-tankian-says-system-of-a-down-members-dont-see-eye-to-eye-on-how-to-proceed-with-new-album/ "SERJ TANKIAN Says SYSTEM OF A DOWN Members Don't See 'Eye To Eye' On How To Proceed With New Album" Dec. 20, 2017.Blabbermouth.]{{Cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/9324365/system-of-a-down-john-dolmayan-these-grey-men-interview-premiere|title=John Dolmayan's Frustration With System of a Down Led to His New Solo Album|website=Billboard.com|access-date=October 6, 2020}}

In 2018, Tankian founded Kavat Coffee, a company that focuses on Armenian coffee.{{Cite web | url=https://www.coffeemagazine.co.za/blog/1/5650/the-art-of-armenian-coffee-with-serj-tankian | title=The Art of Armenian Coffee with Serj Tankian }}

{{Main|Serj Tankian discography}}

• Elect the Dead (2007)
• Imperfect Harmonies (2010)
• Harakiri (2012)
• Orca Symphony No. 1 (2013)
• Cinématique Series: Illuminate (2021)
• Cinématique Series: Violent Violins (2021)
• Elasticity (2021)
• Perplex Cities (2022)
• Foundations (2024)

{{Main|System of a Down discography}}

• System of a Down (1998)
• Toxicity (2001)
• Steal This Album! (2002)
• Mezmerize (2005)
• Hypnotize (2005)

• Jazz-Iz-Christ (2013)

• Serart (2003) (with Arto Tunçboyacıyan)
• Enter the Chicken (2005) (with Buckethead)
• Fuktronic (2020) (with Jimmy Urine)

• Black Thunder (2023) (with The HU)
• The Singularity (2024) (with Bear McCreary)

• Total Paranoia - Batman: Arkham City (2011)
• No Tomorrow - Metal: Hellsinger (with Two Feathers) (2022)

• Cool Gardens, 2001, MTV Books
• Glaring Through Oblivion, 2011, It Books{{cite web|url=http://www.harpercollinscatalogs.com/harper/934_1772_333039343539.pdf |title=Glaring Through Oblivion by Serj Tankian |publisher=Harpercollinscatalogs.com |access-date=April 2, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720193147/http://www.harpercollinscatalogs.com/harper/934_1772_333039343539.pdf |archive-date=July 20, 2011}}
• Down With The System: A Memoir (of Sorts), 2024, Hachette Books{{Cite web |last=Tankian |first=Serj |title=Down With The System |url=https://serjtankian.com/pages/down-with-the-system |access-date=December 29, 2023 |website=Serj Tankian |language=en}}

• Screamers (2006)
• My Little Prince (2012)
• The Last Inhabitant (2016)
• 1915 (2016)
• Furious (Легенда о Коловрате) (2017)
• Spitak (Спитак) (2018)
• Truth to Power (2021)
• Crime Scene, The Texas Killing Fields (2022)
• Madoff: The Monster of Wall Street (2023)

{{See also|List of awards and nominations received by System of a Down}}

System of a Down has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, of which they won one in 2006 for "Best Hard Rock Performance" for their song "B.Y.O.B.".{{Cite web|date=November 19, 2019|title=System Of A Down|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/system-down|access-date=July 6, 2020|website=Grammy Awards|publisher=Recording Academy|language=en}}

{{awards table}}

|-

|align="center"|{{grammy|2002}}

|"Chop Suey!"

|align="center"|Best Metal Performance

|{{nom}}

|-

|align="center"|{{grammy|2003}}

|"Aerials"

|align="center" rowspan="3"|Best Hard Rock Performance

|{{nom}}

|-

|align="center"|{{grammy|2006}}

|"B.Y.O.B."

|{{won}}

|-

|align="center"|{{grammy|2007}}

|"Lonely Day"

|{{nom}}

{{end}}

• In 2005, System of a Down won an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Alternative.{{cite web|last=Rawson-Jones|first=Ben|date=September 20, 2006|title=MTV Europe Awards 2006: The Nominees|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a37216/mtv-europe-awards-2006-the-nominees.html|access-date=October 19, 2011|publisher=Digital Spy}}{{Cite web|date=November 3, 2005|title=System of a Down Named 'Best Alternative' Act At MTV Europe Music Awards|url=https://search.blabbermouth.net/news/system-of-a-down-named-best-alternative-act-at-mtv-europe-music-awards/|access-date=July 6, 2020|website=Blabbermouth.net}}{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• In 2006, System of a Down won an MTV Good Woodie Award for their song "Question!".{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1L5Gia-tSE| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/D1L5Gia-tSE| archive-date=October 30, 2021|title=Serj & Daron's Speech At The MTV Good Woodie Awards 2006|type=YouTube video|language=en|publisher=MTV|year=2006|access-date=July 5, 2020}}{{cbignore}}

{{Reflist|}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{official website}}
• {{discogs artist}}
• {{IMDb name|1413742}}

{{Serj Tankian|state=expanded}}

{{System of a Down}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Portal|Rock music}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tankian, Serj}}

Category:1967 births

Category:California State University, Northridge alumni

Category:American people of Armenian descent

Category:Lebanese people of Armenian descent

Category:Lebanese emigrants to the United States

Category:Musicians from Beirut

Category:Armenian expatriates in New Zealand

Category:Lebanese expatriates in New Zealand

Category:Armenian rock musicians

Category:Lebanese rock musicians

Category:American anti–Iraq War activists

Category:American activists for Palestinian solidarity

Category:American anti-war activists

Category:Lebanese anti-war activists

Category:Anti-corporate activists

Category:American essayists

Category:American multi-instrumentalists

Category:Lebanese multi-instrumentalists

Category:American rock pianists

Category:American male pianists

Category:American male songwriters

Category:American baritones

Category:Grammy Award winners

Category:Melodica players

Category:American heavy metal singers

Category:System of a Down members

Category:Living people

Category:Singers with a four-octave vocal range

Category:20th-century American pianists

Category:Nu metal singers

Category:English-language singers from Armenia

Category:Armenian pianists

Category:Keyboardists

Category:20th-century guitarists